JOIN USFor a majority of the population today, hair loss is a matter of big concern and can have serious implications, given the personal, social and professional considerations.
The emotional effects of hair loss are more obvious today than ever, given that we live in an image-conscious society. Feeling young is as good as looking young.
Hair loss concerns approximately 70 percent of men until 50 years and 15 percent of women. Hair loss at a young age (18-25 years) is quite common in men given the stress levels today.
Androgenetic alopecia is the most common type of hair loss and occurs due to heredity, androgens and age. Hair loss can also occur due to hormonal problems, certain illnesses, deficiency of protein, vitamin, mineral, trace elements; however, hair thinning becomes apparent only when about 50 percent of an individual’s hair has already been lost.
Some contributing factors accelerate the onset and progress of hair loss:
- Low food quality
- Environmental factors
- Stress
- Certain medicines
- Certain illnesses
Hair health can be aggravated by external factors as well:
- Exposure to polluted or dusty environment
- Excessive attrition during brushing or combing
- Chemical hair treatments
- Inappropriate or insufficient hair care
- Excessive exposure to UV rays
- Repeated contact with sea or chlorinated water
- Excessive smoking
What’s on your plate?
Hair is a structural element that needs other structural elements (proteins, minerals, trace elements) – which are obtained through nutrition – in order to grow healthy.
Consequently, in order to allow hair to grow normally, we should follow a balanced diet that includes a variety of food like fresh fruits, green leafy vegetables, pulses, sprouts, cereals and dairy products, so as to ensure the presence of raw material for hair synthesis. The role of water is also catalytic: the daily consumption of water should be around 1.5-2 litres a day.
Statistics reveal that 90 percent of people experiencing hair loss consume less than one fruit a day, very few salads, inadequate volume of water, and omit breakfast or a meal during the day.
Yoga works wonders
Yoga is a discipline of life to improve or develop one’s inherent powers in a ell-balanced manner. Doing yoga and meditation reduces hair loss and leads to healthy hair growth, apart from benefitting the whole body system.
It improves overall health both, physically and mentally. Yoga enhances circulation of blood in the scalp, improves digestion as well as reduces anxiety and stress levels. By practising the following asanas and pranayama, one can protect the crowning glory:
Downward dog pose or adho mukha svanasana: This pose increases the blood and oxygen circulation to the head and face, while stimulating the nerves of the scalp.
n Forward bend or ttanasana: Stretches out the hamstrings and the muscles of the
abdomen. This also aids the body to switch from the sympathetic to the parasympathetic nervous system, helping you relax.
Camel pose or strasana: Increases blood circulation to the head and heart.
Shoulder stand or sarvangasana: Also known as queen of yoga asanas. This regulates the functioning of thyroid gland and promotes hair growth.
Diamond pose or vajrasana: This is a relaxing pose, which reduces stress levels at a faster pace.
Kapalbhati pranayama: This helps oxygenate the head and strengthens the abdominal muscles.
(The author is founder, Brahmyog)